Hartline: Bulls Focus on Concepts, Trenches as Camp Continues
Hartline said USF has pushed its installation heavily through the winter, spring and summer rather than taking a slower approach.
"We've been pushing it heavy through spring through winter through spring through summer," Hartline said.
Now, Hartline said, the emphasis is beginning to shift toward making players more comfortable with the concepts and responsibilities within the system rather than simply memorizing individual plays.
"Conceptually we got a lot in but like they'll get really used to how we're gonna run that concept," Hartline said.
Hartline said teaching players the concepts behind the system gives them the ability to recognize and correct problems when they appear on the field.
"We're trying to teach concepts trying to teach responsibilities," Hartline said. "Not just run plays."
That approach can help players make adjustments when problems arise, including protection adjustments, line calls and combination calls.
Hartline said he is pleased the staff chose not to slow the installation process.
"I'm glad we did that and now we're kind of sitting a more comfortable spot as we start to prepare back a little bit," Hartline said.
Adjusting to FIU
As USF prepares for its season opener against FIU, Hartline said the Bulls have already begun gathering information about their opponent.
The coaching staff has ways of determining what FIU is running and identifying its tendencies, but Hartline said there will be considerably more to learn once the teams meet on game day.
"Yeah, I think we have our ways of finding out information, trying to figure out what they're running and what their identity is," Hartline said. "But you'll find out a lot more on game day."
Hartline also emphasized the importance of making adjustments once the game begins.
"Your ability to adjust will be a big part of the opportunity to come out victorious," he said.
The Trenches Remain a Priority
Hartline was asked about the importance of the defensive line and the role that unit can play in building a championship-caliber team.
His answer was direct.
"You win championships in the trenches. That's a fact," Hartline said.
Hartline pointed to the importance of the way teams play in the trenches, arguing that talent at the skill positions alone does not guarantee championships.
"So there's been a lot of great, you know quarterbacks and receivers and all the other never won a championship," Hartline said. "So it's not about talents, but the way you play the game and you can find that in the trenches."
Hartline said he remains confident in USF's personnel and the coaches working with the position groups.
"We're well aware that, you know, championships are one of loss in the trenches. So but very confident about our guys and the coaches we have in those positions," Hartline said.
Asani Redwood Finding His Way
USF defensive tackle Asani Redwood also spoke with reporters about his path to college football.
Asani Redwood is a physical defensive lineman who brings size and experience to USF after four seasons at West Virginia. A former All-American and Georgia first-team All-State selection at Collins Hill, Redwood recorded 47 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks during his Mountaineers career.
Redwood was born in Jamaica, where soccer was his primary sport growing up. His father moved from Jamaica to New York before later moving to Georgia, where Asani Redwood joined him during his sophomore year of high school.
Redwood initially played soccer and tried wrestling before a history teacher who was also the school's online coach encouraged him to try football.
He began his football career on the defensive line.
"They put me on D-line first day, first couple days are rough," Redwood said.
Despite the difficult start, Redwood continued working at the position.
"From there just got fine. It's kept trying to get better every day and we're here now," he said.
Redwood on Josh Aldridge's Defensive Philosophy
Redwood said one of the reasons he wanted to play for USF defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge was Aldridge's emphasis on allowing defensive linemen to make plays.
When asked about the importance of winning one-on-one battles, Redwood said defensive linemen have limited opportunities during a game and need to take advantage of them.
"Let's say you only get so many one-on-ones a game," Redwood said. "So every time you get it you got to maximize the opportunity."
Redwood said Aldridge wants his defensive linemen to be more than players responsible for occupying blockers and creating opportunities for linebackers.
"He wants your D-line to eat," Redwood said.
Redwood said that philosophy is one of the reasons he wanted to play for Aldridge.
"He wants to be one up front to make plays," Redwood said. "So I'm really happy about that."
Building Toward the Season
With USF continuing its preparation for the season, Hartline said the Bulls are reaching a more comfortable point with the system after spending the offseason installing it.
Rather than limiting what players had to learn, Hartline said the staff intentionally pushed the volume of the system.
"I'm glad that we decided to not go slow," Hartline said. "I'm glad that we went, you know, all in and push the amount for these guys to learn."
For Hartline, the expectation is that young players are capable of handling that volume if they are willing to put in the work.
"My philosophy is they're 18-to-22-year-olds. If they want to learn it, they're gonna learn it," Hartline said.
USF will continue working through camp as the Bulls prepare for the start of the 2026 season.